TTC Academy launched to develop gifted riders and give a life changing opportunity
Super-talented youngster Joe Francis is first academy recruit, joins team to fight for 2015 Superstock Championship
Next year will see a big addition to TTC’s racing programme, as we’re launching the TTC Academy to help develop and support young gifted riders; and entering the Pirelli National Superstock 600 Championship to do this.
And we’ve signed the exceptionally gifted Joe Francis as our first Academy recruit.
The 16-year-old rider has been winning championships for seven years and spent 2014 racing in the Superstock 600 Championship.
A super-talented youngster!
Team Principal Paul Bolwell says: “Both Keith and I believe strongly that this team should be about developing talent and giving the opportunity to the best young riders, we are now taking this one step further with our new TTC Academy system.
“The TTC Academy has been set-up to allow a young rider to further their racing with a fully supported two year racing package on the track.
“But it’s not just about that and, whilst away from the track, we will also be working with a charity – the Saints Foundation – to enable selected individuals the chance to come and travel, experience and work with the TTC Academy. We believe that by combining sports and work experience, we can help inspire them in their future years.”
Greg Baker of the Saints Foundation says: “Joining a British Supersport team will undoubtedly present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young people that we work with to inspire and support. I’m really looking forward to working this with Keith and Paul and selecting the young person who will benefit immensely from this unique chance, and will announce details on how to apply shortly.”
Bolwell adds: “When we decided to set-up the Academy we were looking for a certain rider and we are chuffed that Joe is to become our first Academy recruit, he has won almost every series he’s entered. He exudes proper class both on and off the bike, so he’s going to fit in.
“Joe is young, but incredibly talented and, like James Rispoli, is a true professional. He has been racing on most of these circuits for many years and he knows the Yamaha R6 well.”
Joe says: “It’s a great opportunity for me to step up to Team Traction Control for next year. Obviously I’ve been keeping a close eye on what’s been going on with the team in 2014 and to be part of this exciting – and growing – team is a dream come true!
“I still have to pinch myself to check it’s really happening. But I’m going to do my very best for TTC and make sure I have fun and enjoy riding my bike. I’m looking forward to working with the team and for the team to bring out my full potential, I can’t wait for the season to start.”
ABOUT US
Team Traction Control (TTC) is a unique race team founded by Keith Flint and Paul Bolwell. In its debut 2014 season it successfully competed in the 2014 Motorpoint British Supersport Championship and the year’s key road races, including the World Famous Isle of Man TT.
For 2015 the team will again be competing for the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship with two leading riders and will be challenging in the British Superstock 600 Championship with the newly founded TTC Academy.
ABOUT THE SAINTS FOUNDATION
The Saints Foundation is an independent charity aligned to Southampton Football Club. Harnessing the passion of the club and its fans, we aim to inspire, support and deliver positive change and equality of opportunity for young people and vulnerable adults across Southampton and surrounding areas. The charity uses football and non-football related activities to reach out to and engage with over 30,000 individuals each year, and in so doing invests over £1million per annum in charitable activities.